This happened to me on an EMI finger (a bit of mettle that helps reduce electro magnetic interference) when I was changing out my HD on my PB.
What happened was this. I had a fine set of ceramic ESD tools, and the Phillips head broke off flush with the screw. Worse than stripped, because I couldn't get my Dremel to remove the ceramic bits. I chiseled out the ceramic bits as best I could and then used a Phillips, which then stripped the screw head. I took a small tool hammer and a sharp flat head, and tapped in until it had a good bite. Then, while applying pressure, I used a pair of pliers to slowly loosen the screw. This was a good solution, as I could reuse the screw.
I am not pissed off at the screw striping, but I am at loosing a favorite ESD tool. I really hadn't expected the part to require so much torque.
I likely should of used a
Japanese Cross Head on that particular screw, instead of a Phillips.
Japanese Cross Head- a short description.
I am looking for a screw kit for the MBP, but I can't find one. Likely you could buy a bag of 4 screws from an authorized Apple Repair shop for about 10$, at least that's what I would offer to pay for 4 screws. Though- you would think Apple would fix it and not void your warrenty.